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Thursday, September 30, 2010

I can't believe how much Kainan is learning and growing! I asked him to put his cereal bowl in the sick this morning, his response: "No problemo!" He started calling daddy "Papa Bear" which I can only assume he gets from the nickjr. show Little Bear! {Yes, I let my kids watch tv. Yes, it is like drugs to them! And yes, we will be working on breaking that habit very soon! Which also means, mama needs to break herself from the addiction of this computer!! Let ya know how that goes!} Kainan is doing very well learning recognition of the letters of the alphabet. He knows A-M. With the exception of L. [I didn't skip "L", he only knows "M" because they are on his favorite candies!] I have only recently started to practice numbers with him. I can't breaking him of "1,2,6!" and after six he says "and number and number!!" Haha! What a smartie!

While Kainan is learning, Camden is away at school doing the same. Only, more rebelliously! She doesn't want to pay attention. Which is nothing new, especially if the television is on. [Hence the reason we will be breaking this habit! It is getting difficult for the children to listen!] Her teachers KNOW she can do better at school and she doesn't put the effort into it. This breaks my heart! I know a lot of it has to do with how we handle things at home. While we spend time with her, we just can't spend as much as she would like. The girl would sit on me all day and do nothing if I'd let her. {Sometimes, I do! :) But then my legs go numb...}
We have been doing more extracurricular activities with her [both of them really] but the things she wants to do cost money. Time to break out my mad game board skills! Hehe! Hopefully she pulls her grades up! I hate to see her lagging behind!

While the kids are learning [and myself blogging] Jim is working. I'm so thankful that he has a first shift job. That he enjoys! :)

So, that's the family update today. OH, and I've been feeling extra crafty! I'm working on fall crafts as we speak {er, uh, type!} Well, the paint is drying anyway. I can't wait to see how it turns out...if well, there will be pictures to post shortly!

So this weeks 10...what I love about fall. After unwanted stress this morning [not that any stress is wanted!!!], I'm happy to write about fall. I never really got into fall until I moved to Ohio. And while indiana and Ohio are pretty much the same, the feel for fall is so much different here!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The conference
Last night was parent teacher conferences. And the meeting with the teacher and principal regarding the "stupid" comment {that was or wasn't made, there was no conclusion on that} and the haircut. If you haven't read the original blog post, you may want to read it before continuing on here. It may be a bit confusing.
I entered the conference knowing that the teacher was going to deny ever saying my princess looked stupid. AND knowing that there are two sides to every story...and I'd only heard one.
Basically, it ended like I thought it would. She told her version, I told the version that I'd been given from Camden. Camden omitted, whether willingly or not I don't know, a part of the story. Which certainly made a difference in my thoughts, but not enough of one that I thought the teacher was justified.

Camden, apparently, was twirling and playing with her hair, making the other children laugh. Then commented to the teacher, I suppose looking for a reaction from her. The teacher's response, "Well that just looks ridiculous!"

Jim mentioned that Camden takes everything straight to heart. {She really does, that is the truth!} The teacher seemed shocked by that!

My only concern walking away from that meeting is that Camden isn't comfortable in that classroom. She doesn't like the teacher. [The principal knew this prior to the hair cut incident.] Apologies were made....Camden says she is okay with the teacher...I asked her about it post conference and she still was. Hope she really is.

The conclusion
I KNOW that there have been previous occurrences with this teacher. {I didn't mention that during the conference as that was really irrelevant to the situation at hand.} I also KNOW that if there are any more complaints from anyone, this teacher is going to be in some really hot water. And not necessarily by only the parents. The principal vocalized this to us all as well. I KNOW that Camden took it out of context, AFTER omitting information from me. BUT there is absolutely NO reason for a teacher to treat a child, ANY child the way she has treated my child. So, I'm pretty much indifferent to the whole situation. The result of the conference was neither good nor bad. It was almost a waste of breath to even say anything about it. Let's just hope it doesn't happen again!

OH and they were told to expect me to unexpectedly pop in whenever I feel like it during art class.

Here's a look at her hair right after she cut it. Very choppy here.

And here is what her hair looked like after I added bangs to it. Still a little on the short side but I think it definitely looks better.

This post is a little exciting to me. Red is my favorite color. Something about the color red just makes me happy! Red is a color that most often represents romance, or intense passion. Red is often symbolized as the color of love. And who doesn't love LOVE? Red is also said to be the symbolism of life and vitality. In China, red is the color of prosperity and joy.

That being said, here are my red photos for this wonderful Rednesday!

We have moved so many times and have often misplaced many things. Some things boxes at a time. And I suppose since they are still misplaced they could actually be considered LOST. Recently we've replaced cookware. I don't do expensive, over the top things. So here is my budget friendly, favorite colored, newly replaced cookware. :)

My birthday was in August. This is one of the gifts I received from the hubs and kids. It smells wonderful! [Grapefruit & Pomegranate!]

I captured (barely, it takes eons for my camera on my phone to load!) a picture of a train as it was going through town!

And last, but certainly not least, the thing besides my husband and children that I hold close. Again, not expensive, but definitely a love of mine ...my camera! :)

I hope you all post your "reds" today. If you do, leave a comment and your url so I can visit!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

Thursday evening my 9 year old came home from school with her bangs cut. Or shall I say, she had MADE bangs for herself. She didn't have them at all. Now, however, she does. I was lividirate not happy at all! First of all, after being questioned about it, she avoided eye contact. {Like the plague!} Secondly, she denied it...lied about it. I asked her to come over to me and she said NO! After realizing how serious I was, she finally made her way to me. Slooooooowly. I thought maybe she just had hair growing in that maybe I missed. [I was hoping!!] But alas, her bangs had definitely been hacked!

Upon getting the answers as to why she would do such a thing, she begins to cry. Hard! And as the story unfolds, this is what I get. Mom, I cut it because the art teacher said I looked stupid! {Insert LIVID mother HERE!!} She WHAT?!?!? Dear sweet Jesus, please tell me I heard that wrong! Oh, to my disappointment, I heard correctly. Story goes on like this.

The kids were drawing self portraits to be put on exhibit at the fair next week. Camden, apparently wanted to put a touch of red in it because she wanted her hair to be like her moms. [I'm thrilled! Apparently the teacher, however, was not!] Camden was told to color her hair just as it is on her head. Being the stubborn child that she is, she went to the teacher {at the teacher's desk} to show her just what colors she had in her hair. (She really does have a red tint in it, she wasn't making it up) And as she showed the teacher, I'll call her Mrs. X, she pulled a part of it from her ponytail and said, "See, it does have red in it like my mom's." And the response from Mrs. X, "Get that hair out of your face. You look stupid like that!" "Okay, I'll try to keep it out of my face" Camden replied. So as soon as art was over Camden raced out to the hallway and cut her hair.

After getting the full story from her, I'm disgusted. It made me sick, like I'd been kicked in the stomach. I asked to hear the story from her again, checking for different remarks or a change in the story. But there were none.

I called the school and spoke with the principal, explaining that I understand that there very well could have been a misunderstanding or major miscommunication. He had no words but told me that all he could do was hope that Camden misunderstood as well. We were previously scheduled for a conference for this week and decided to appoint one with the art teacher as well.

My daughter was called into the office several times at school Friday to speak with the principal. They even brought in the superintendent. Bringing in the superintendent means two things to me. A) They are taking this seriously & B) There is a good chance they have had problems with this teacher before.

I mean, kids have a hard enough time at school with peer pressure, trying to fit in and bullying. The teacher is supposed to be a mentor, someone these children look up to!! Not someone that joins in when these kids are facing a difficult time!

I'm aware that there is always a chance for Camden to have taken things out of context, this is my problem.....
Camden was SO HUMILIATED & so ashamed from what the teacher said to her that she cut her hair! This is the girl who cried the last time we got her a hair cut! She is NOT just going to WILLINGLY cut her hair!

Well, there are two sides to each story and I'll get the opportunity to hear the other side on Tuesday. As her mother, I have NO CHOICE but to believe everything Camden says is the truth. After all, if I don't believe her, I'm part of the problem.

**I did find out later, there have been prior incidents with this teacher.**

Sunday, September 26, 2010

You can find more information on Fall into Reading 2010 by clicking here.

These are the books I would like to read.

I will carry you: The sacred Dance of Grief & Joy

When a woman lets go of her fears

The 10 Best Decisions a couple can make

Becoming the woman of his dreams

Choosing God's best

Tender mercy for a mother's soul

I also have a goal of reading to my kids at least 20 minutes a night. This is something that when I first became a mother, I always wanted to do. But I've strayed so far from that. I want to get back into the swing of things and begin reading to them again.

Let's jump right in to this on this early Friday morning, shall we? Five of my favorite things this week include the following...

1. Reality-a lot of times, I don't like getting back to reality. There are so many horrible things going on this is great big world. And with that brings so many negative feelings and thoughts and actions in so many people. But let's focus on the positive and remember the wonderful little gifts and blessing that God puts in our lives each day. We don't always see them...sometimes they are in disguise. [A lot of times] But boy when you remove whatever the blinders may be, isn't it amazing what you can see?!?!?! I'm thankful for reality especially this week because I have been neglecting to give to my kids the time that they deserve. This week, however, I have gotten back on track. :) Wooohooo! Go me!!

2. My Camera-although, in desperate need of a new one, I'm so grateful that I have a camera to capture all of the wonderful moments and steps that my family is privileged to share together. Even our cell phones are equipped with them! Technology sure is a good thing!

3. The simple things in life {Yes, it is listed as a fav of mine this week! This is my list, after all} My kids are so happy with the little things. I am amazed at the things my kids enjoy that takes absolutely nothing to give...walking down the Halloween costume isle at Walmart-big hit last night! Learning Kainan's "letters"...really the rest of us call them the alphabet, but in this house, they belong to Kainan. :) Chats with Camden that sometimes mean absolutely nothing. :::They mean the world to her though! And if I can make her feel that then I'm happy to!:::

4. MentorsCasondrayou are my #4 this week! You are one amazing woman! There are no words for the love I have for you. I value the friendship that we have been able to build and keep over the years. Who woulda thought one little retail store could bring two people together so wonderfully? {By the way, I heard rumor that they were coming back to Jasper!!} You are a wonderful mother, wife, friend, sister, cook, housekeeper....and you give wholeheartedly in everything you do! You have been through so much within your family both physically & spiritually. I adore your ability to remain so devoted to The Lord. NO.MATTER.WHAT! ♥

5. Christian radio-Music that is so uplifting and heartwarming. Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman can get me through any day. May not be done without tears, but it [Life] is put into perspective. Makes not only my eyes, but my heart see things I may not have otherwise looked at wholly.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

As I've previously posted, a dear friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. This lady is one of the strongest women I know! I adore her. Her surgery was today. If you're reading this, please stop to say a short prayer for her. Pray that The Lord give the doctors guidance and direction. I also ask that she be given strength and courage to recover quickly. Thanks to all for the prayers!!

Isaiah 43:2-3 reads:

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush [a] and Seba in your stead.

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A little about me

I'm a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a granddaughter, a
niece, a cousin and a friend. I am Christian, although, I don't attend
church as regularly as I should. My relationship with God is and always
will be strong, regardless where I sit on Sunday morning. Photography
has captured my interest and whether I'm taking photo's or adoring
others, it is a hobby I much enjoy. I grew up in Dubois County,
Indiana but currently live in Coshocton, Ohio. I have been to many
places and have decided I am finally home. I love being with my family
and friends. Spending time with them will always be at the top of my to
do list!